Flags will fly at half staff on Saturday in honor of Bill Putnam

by susan on August 24, 2012

Flags in Southborough will fly at half staff on Saturday in honor of Southborough resident Willard ‘Bill’ S. Putnam who passed away earlier this week at the age of 88. Mr. Putnam was a WWII veteran. He served the town for many years, first as an administrative assistant to the former Police Chief, Frank Mattioli, and then as the town’s accountant.

You can read more about Mr. Putnam’s life in his obituary. Selectman Bill Boland knew Mr. Putnam and had this to say:

Bill was a very dedicated and long-time employee for the Town. I always enjoyed his thoughts, humor and smile when we would run into each other at various locations around town. I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Marjorie, his family, and his friends. He will be truly missed by many, especially his inner circle of “co-philosophers” at Dunkin Donuts every morning.

I’m sure it seems like a small point but I want to mention that in my memory, Mr. Putnam was known as “Will,” after his first name of Willard. Somehow, Will seemed to suit this very quiet and unassuming man with a nice presence committed to doing his work for the town without any fanfare.